THE INSIDE TRACK | MORNING BRIEFING

Karl May Be on the Outside Looking In Again

George Karl has coached the Seattle SuperSonics to two division championships the last three seasons but has never won an NBA title.

In the 1988-89 and 1990-91 seasons, Karl was coach of the now-defunct Albany Patroons of the Continental Basketball Assn. His teams won the Eastern Division title both seasons and in the second one, the Patroons went 28-0 at home during a 50-6 regular season. That's a better percentage than the SuperSonics' 64-18 this season.

Of course, the Patroons suffered the same playoff fate the SuperSonics have become used to. They lost to Wichita Falls in the semifinals.

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Add Karl: In 1989, Karl was between jobs in the CBA and showed up at the Chicago Bulls' preseason camp to watch practice.

The treatment he received from Bull Coach Phil Jackson wasn't what he expected.

Trivia time: What trainer has won the most consecutive Belmont Stakes?

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Worm pop: Would you eat a lollipop that's called The Worm, is shaped like a bloated worm and has Dennis Rodman's face on it?

Custom Confections of Boise, Idaho, thinks you not only will, but that you'll spring for the suggested retail price of 99 cents.

The company hopes to sell 15 million of them by the end of the year. The United Center, where the Bulls play, has ordered 15,000, the firm said.

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For what it's worth: The NHL took in $398 million during the 1989-90 season, according to the league's figures. It forecasts revenue this season of $920 million, up 131% during a period in which the number of teams increased from 21 to 26.

Grass is greener . . . : From the Denver Post's Todd Phipers: "Why do I get this feeling that Rick Pitino turning down the Nets' job because his 'heart is in Kentucky' is about as heartfelt as Magic Johnson's retirement?

"When the right NBA offer comes, the only bluegrass Pitino will see any more is on the fairway."